Slicing machine



4 A A A n 1952 c. T. ZlMMERMANN SLICING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed May 22, 1946 ATTORNEY June 3, 1952 c. T. .ZIMMERMANN SLICING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed May 22, 1946 INVENTOR 6744 ZwmW/M/w/ BY Z V ATTORNEY June 3, 1952 (I; T ZMMERMANN 2,598,740

ICING MACHINE orlginal Filed May 22, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 ULL 1 or Q June 3, 1952 c. T. ZIMMERMANN SLICING MACHINE Original Filed May 22, 1946 10 Sheets-Shet 5 l2? 245 I 52 INVENTOR I 6 I33 (4a ZZ/MMAW/MM/ ATTO R N EY June 1952 c. T. ZIMMERMANN 2,598,740

SLICING MACHINE Original Filed May 22, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEY June 3, 1952 c. T. ZIMMERMANN SLICING MACHINE l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Original Filed May 22, 1946 June 3, 1952 c. T. ZIMMERMANN 2,598,740

SLICING MACHINE Original Filed May 22, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR mrzZ'Z/mm'r/M/ June 3, 1952 c. T. ZIMMERMANN SLICING MACHINE 1o Sheets-Shee t. 9

Original Filed May 22, 1946 ATTORN EY June 3, 1952 c zm N I 2,598,740

SLICING MACHINE Original Filed May 22, 1946 10 Sheets-Sheet l0 ATTORNEY Patented June 3, 1952 SLICING MACHINE Carl T. Zimmermann, Old Greenwich, Conn assignor to Globe Slicing Machine '00., Inc., Stamford, 001111., a corporation of New York Original application May 22, 1946, Serial No. 671,468. Divided and this application July 6, 1949, Serial No. 104,682

2 Claims. 1

This invention relates to slicing machines in general and more especially to slicing machines of the gravity feed type in which the knife is disposed at an oblique angle to the vertical and the object holder, or chute, extends substantially vertical to the plane of the knife, and also at an oblique angle to the vertical to enable the article being cut automatically to descend by its own weight due to gravity as a slice is being cut from the lower end. thereof.

Among the objects of the present invention, it is aimed to provide an improved slicing machine of the gravity feed type in which the space under the..knife is entirely free to accommodate a tray or the like for receiving the slices as they are being cut, and provided with an electric motor which is disposed at the lower end of the knife and to one side of the free space in an enclosedcasing, with the bracket or hanger for slidably supporting the article chute disposed to the rear of the motor, that is, with the motor disposed between the hanger and the lower end of the knife.

More specifically, the present invention aims to provide an improved slicing machine of the gravity feed type having an article holder or meat holder which can be readily adjusted or converted to support an article, such as: a Bologna, while being sliced at various angles relative to the cuttin plate, according to the desire of the customer.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved slicing machine of the gravity feed type in which the control. for adjusting the position of the gauge plate is disposed below the handle formanually reciprocating the article chute and preferably slightly to the left of the handle so that the operator. may with facility manipulate the gauge plate-control with his left hand while engaging the handle of the chute to reciprocate it with his right hand.

In the interest of assembly and ready repair, it is also an object of the present invention to provide a slice adjustment unit as a separable removable unit.

It is still another object of thepresent invention to provide an improved slicing machine of the gravity feed type having a guard for the knife that is readily removable without. the use of toolsto enable the operator to clean the knife whenever desired.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved slicing machinerof. the gravity feed type having a. guard. for the knife that is yieldable. upon. engagement by the:

2 chute to enable large or wide pieces of meat to be cut which may call for extending the pieces of meat to and beyond the far end of the knife.

It is still another object of the present invention toprovide an improved machine of the character described having a readily removable chute without the use of tools or the like, so that the attendant when it is desired to effect a particular slice, such as when derinding bacon, may with facility remove the chute and then again replace it and anchor it in operative position, all without the use of separate tools or the like.

It is still another object ofthe present inven-y tion to provide an improved machine of the character described having an improved sharpening unitincluding a honin and grinding wheel which may be broughtinto engagementwith the cutting edge of the knife when: it is desired tosharpen the same, including: yieldable control means whereby the honing wheel will engage the knife edge first relative to the grinding wheel and will leaveit last so. as to prevent the formation of burrs and the like.

These and other features, capabilities and advantages. of the invention will appear from the subjoinedv detail description of specific embodiments thereof illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a perspective of the completed machine made according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 isa section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is anienlarged rear elevation with parts broken away and shown in section. on. the line 33"of Fig. 2.

the liriev 4-4 of Fig.3;

Fig.- 5 is a plan view with a part: broken away on thescale' shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 6isa section on theline 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig: 7 is a section on the line 1--'!. of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmental view partly in section on the. line 88. of Fig. 4'.

Fig. 9 is asectionon the-line 9-9 of Fig; 4.

Fig; 10 is a section on the line" Ill-illof'Fi'g. 8'.

Fig. 11- is: a fragmentalplanpartly in section showing the knife and its associated parts including its removable guard.

Fig. 12 is a fragmental plan of'the knife unit' showing its drive and the casing'for. the sharpening unit.

Fig. 1-3 is asection on. the line l3-l'3 of Fig; 12.

Fig. 14 is asectionon the line ISL-14 0f Fig. 12'.

Fig..l5lis.'a.section on the line |'3"-l3-of5 Fig. 1, but with the adjustable plate-inclined relative to the positionshown in Fig. 1

Fig. 16 is a section on the line l6l 6 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a section on the line l1--l| of Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a modification of the unit shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmental section on the line 19-? of Fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a fragmental plan view partly in section of the knife assembly showing a modification of the knife guard relative to the knife guard shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged fragmental end elevation of the modification shown in Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a fragmental section on the line 22-22 of Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a fragmental section on the line 23-23 of Fig. 20. I

Fig. 24 is an enlarged fragmental view of the sharpening unit moved into position for engaging the cutting edge of the knife, but before engaging the cutting edge of the knife.

Fig. 25 is a section'in part on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing the means for adjusting the sharpening unit as the cutting edge of the knife wears.

Fig. 26 is a section on the line 26-26 of Fig. 12 with the honing and grinding wheels in contact with the cutting edge of the blade.

Fig.2? is a fragmental section similar to that shown in; Fig. 26,'but with the grinding wheel clear of the cutting edge of the knife while the honing wheel is still in engagement with the cutting edge of the knife.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 1'7, inclusive, there is illustrated a main housing I, a platform 2, a knife supporting frame 3 for the knife 4; a supporting bracket for the gauge plate 6, a hanger l for the substance or meat carrying chute 8, and a frame 9 for the motor [9.

Inthe interest of assembly and repair of these several 'main parts, they all are associated with the main housing I as separable removable units and therefore will be described in the order named under the following headings: Housing and Platform; Knifeand Associated Parts; Gauge Plate and Control Means; Chute and Hanger; Motor and Supporting Frame; and Modification of Knife Guard,-

, Housing and platform The housing I consists essentially of a rear vertical wall I I; a short front vertical wall l2, a rearwardly inclined front wall [3 continuing upwardly from the front wall 12 and merging into the rounded upper wall portion l4 which in turn merges intogthe vertical rear wall I I. These walls ll, l2, l3 and [4 in the present instance, merge in the end'walls 15. At the four inner corners of the housing in the present instance are provided the bosses f l6, preferably to receive suitable cushioned plugs composed of rubber or the like, such as the plugs [1. The platform 2 preferably has a flange [8 extending down from its ends and front, and a' downwardly extending flange l9 near its rear edge toreceive screws 20 connectin the flange l9 to the lower end of the front wall [2. Preferably the front wall [2 has a recess or opening 2| therein toreceive' the rear free end 22 of the platform 2.

The housing I is preferably open at the bottom as shown in Fig. 2 to afford access to the interior of the housing land is also provided with three openings formed in 'the inclined wall l3, one opening 23 to the lefthand of the wall 13 to form a clearance for the'belt 24 drivingly connected to the motor [0, a second-opening 25,seeFig. 8, .to

accommodate the arm of the gauge plate 6 to the right of the opening 23, and an extended opening 21 above the openings 23 and 25 to clear the arm 28 of the hanger 1. Adjacent the inner face of the lower end of the rear wall I I, there is fixed the lower guide rod 29 and slightly forward of the guide rod 29 and adjacent the inner face of the rounded wall portion I4 there isfixed the upper guide rod 30. The guide rods 29 and 30 are secured in the end walls I5 as shown in Fig. 2.

Knife and associated parts The frame 3 has a flange 3! extending inwardly and upwardly from the front Wall 32 of the frame 3 and is secured by screws or the like through the lower end of the inclined wall l3 with the frame 3 surrounding the opening 23. The front wall 32 of the frame 3 merges into the end walls 33 of the frame 3 and into the diminished neck portion 34 at the outer end of the frame 3. Preferably the wall 32 extends at an angle of about 45 to the vertical and is provided with a boss 35 to receive the sleeve 36 which is locked in the boss 35 by the locknut 31. On the sleeve 36 are mounted the roller bearings 38 which are clamped by the jam nut 39 against the shoulder 40 on the sleeve 36. The pulley 44 is rotatably mounted on the roller bearings 38. The plate 43 which fits into the recess of the knife 4 has screw threadedly connected thereto the end of the pin 44 which passes through the sleeve 36, and by means of the nut 42 is locked in its position. In view of the foregoing, in order to remove the knife for replacement or the like, it is only necessary to remove the nut 42 when the :pin secured to the plate 43 is free to be withdrawn. Thereupon the screws connecting the blade 4 to the pulley 44 may be removed in the usual way. The pulley 44 is connected by the belt 24 to the pulley 45 on the free end 46 of the shaft 220 of the reduction gearing hereinafter to be described.

Below the knife 4 and in order to protect the belt 24 from particles of food being cut from the knife and dirt, there is provided the plate 41 which engages the upper edge of the flange 3l, the upper edges of the end walls 33 and the upper face of the neck 34, and in turn is in slidable. engagement with the inner periphery of the recess between the annular shoulder 48 and the lower face of the knife 4. The pulley 44 in turn is rotatably mounted by means of the roller bearing units 49 on the sleeve 36.

The neck 34 has a lateral extension 50 provided with a recess 51 to receive the pin 52 provided at one end with a head 53 engaging the upper face of the guard 54 and provided with a clamping nut 55 screw threadedly connected to the other end of the pin 52 to engage the lower face of the extension 50, the arm 56 of the combination guard and casing 51 being disposed between the bifurcated end 58 of the guard 54. The guard 54, see Figs. 1, 3 and 5, extends around and covers about one-half of the cutting edge of the knife 4. It is secured in place against the upper end of the inclined wall [3 [by the spring pressed projection 59, see Fig. 11, mounted on the lever 60 pivoted at 6| to the guard 54 and provided with a spring 62 normally urging the projection 59 outwardly so that when the guard 54 is moved into the position shown in Fig. 11, the projection 59 will enter the recess 63 in the wall l3 when the pin 52 enters the recess 5| in the extension 50 of the neck 34.

When it is desired'to remove the guard 54, see Fig. 11, it is only necessary to flex the arm 60 upward to cause the projection 59 to clearthe recess 63 and to loosen the nut when the guard 54 can be removed. The dash and dot line position of the guard 54 in Fig. 11 is merely indicative of its removability from the knife 4. The guard 54 as shown in Fig. 11 is provided with an opening 64 through which the end of the lever 68 extends to enable the operator to actuate the same.

.The casing 51, see Figs. 1, 3 and 5, includes a knife guard portion 65 and a cover 66 for the sharpening unit 61, see Figs. 24 to 2'1, inclusive. The sharpening unit 61, see Figs. 2 and 25, has a base 68 provided with a stud 6,9 which is positioned in the opening 18 in the neck 34 of the casing 33, and is secured in position by the set screw H. The distance of the base 68 from the neck 34 will depend upon the wear on the cutting edge of the knife 4. In other words, when the knife is new, the distance will be the greatest. This base or block 68 has two tapered recesses 12 and 13 to receive the tapered end 14 on the end of the pin 15, slidably mounted in the plug 16, rotatably mounted in the housing; 11 which is fulcrumed to the base 68 at 84. In the housing 11 is mounted the gear 18 secured tothe extension 19 of the plug 16, which gear 18 in turn is positioned by the ring 88 pinned to the housing 11. The plug 16, gear 18 and housing 11, have alined openings to slidably receive the enlarged end of the pin portion 14. and also to receive the spring 8| tensed between the end of the pin portion 14 and the shoulder 82 to cause the tapered end 14 to project either into the opening 12 or 13 when alined with the same. For disengaging the positioning pin 14 from either the recess 12 or the recess 13, there is provided the knob 83, which is pinned to the outer end of the pin 15. The tapered openings 12 and 13 cooperate with the tapered pin 14 to insure that the unit will not vibrate when the pin 14 engages either recess as now to be described. The recesses 12 and 13 determine the two positions of the sharpening unit 61. When the pin end 14 is positioned in the recess 12, then the sharpening unit will be-out of sharpening position, to wit, that shown in Fig. 4. 0n the other hand, when the pin end 14 engages the recess 13 the sharpening unit 61 will be in sharpening position, that shown in Fig. 12 and Figs. 24 to 2'7, inclusive. gear 18 in normal inoperative position, the spring 85 is provided secured at one end to the .plug 16 and at the other end to the cylindrical portion". In order to actuate the gear 18 into operative position of the sharpening unit, the handle 86 is formed on the plug 16 by. means of which handle 86 the plug 16 is turned relative to the cylindrical portion 11 against the tension of the spring 85 to move the gear 18 into wheel .engagingposition of the sharpening unit 61. Thesharpening unit will only be maintained inwheel engaging position while the handle 86 isswung over against the tension of the spring .5 Where the sharpening wheels now to be described will engage the cutting edge of the knife 4 an d the moment that the pressure on the handle 861s released, the handle will return to normal inactive position, turning the gear 18 with it, and in turn removing the sharpening wheels from the cutting edge of the knife 4. There are in the presentinstance, provided two sharpeningwheels similar to the sharp,- ening unit disclosed in United; States, Letters Patent No. 2,069,431 issued February 2, l9 3 7,,to hn J- aas i e. l t s arpe in Wheel. 81

u ti nin as. honin heel: in; the; nr s nt:

For maintaining the 6. instance is preferably composed of a suitable oil stone and is mounted on the shaft 88; which in turn is slidably mounted in the cylindrical por tion 89 having teeth 98 thereon in engagement with the teeth of the gear 18. The cylindrical portion 89 is chambered at one end to receive the spring 9| tensed between the head of the screw 92 on the shaft 88' and the ball bearing unit 93 at the inner end of the chamber, by means of which spring 9| the shoulder 94 is normally spaced from the bushing 9.5 where the honing wheel, 81 will clear the cutting edge of the knife 4 in the position shown in Fig. 24 when the handle 86 free and positioned by the spring 85. Preferably between the enlarged end of the bushing 95 and the free end of the chambered portion 89; there is provided the nut 96 to facilitate locking the bushing 95 in position and thereby determining the normal position of the honing wheel 81 according to the wear on the cutting edge of the knife 4, when the handle 96 is positioned by the spring 85.

The cylindrical portion 11 is provided with a chambered extension 91 to receive the cylindrical portion 89. This portion 11 also has a chambered extension 98 to receive the cylindrical portion 89 having teeth I88 to mesh with the teeth of the gear 18. The cylindrical portion 99 receives the shank I8I having an enlarged head I82 terminating in a threaded portion I83 for the nutv I84. Between the nut I84 and the grinding wheel I85 is disposed the washer I86, the grinding wheel I85 being disposed between the washer I86 and the enlarged head I82 of the shank I8I. The shank I8I has anannular recess I81 to receive the projection I88 at the end of the screw I89, screw threadedly secured in the cylindrical portion 99 and determining the axial movement of the shank I8I relative to the cylindrical portion 99. The shank MI is also cham-. bered to receive the ball II8 resiliently maintained at the end of the chamber I I I in the shank IN by the spring I I2 tensed between the ball I I8 and the nut H3 screw threadedlyconnected at the end of the central chamber of. the cylindrical portion 98. There is also interposed between the ball I I8 and the nut I I3 a rod 244 long enough to cause a positive engagement of the wheel I85 against the knife. 4 after the wheel 81 has engaged the knife 4. As shown in Fig. 26, the gear 18 has been rotated in a counter-clockwise direction in order to move the wheel 81 downwardly into spring pressed contact with the knife 4 against the tension of the spring 9|. As soon as this contact has been established the clearance between the pin 244 and the ball II 8 will have been taken up so that upon further rotated movement of the gear 18 the grinding wheel I85 will be positively brought into engagement with the knife 4. During this latter rotative movement, the spring 9I of the honing wheel 81 will be further compressed.

When reversing the direction of rotation of the gear 18 into the position shown in Fig. 27, the

downward movement of the cylindrical portion 99 will cause a clearance between the pin 244- and the ball II8 without freeing the grinding wheel- I from the knife 4. In other words, the grind ing wheel I85 will continue inycontact withthe knife 4 until the pin I88 engages the lower end of the recess I81 at which time the cylindrical .por-

tion 99 will have pulledthe grinding wheel I815.

positively away-from the knife 4while the honing; wheel in is still incontactdue to; the spring 9|. Finally when the shoulder 94engagesthebushing;

7 95, the honing wheel 81 will clear the knife 4. In other words, whenlthe handle 86 is released and its position determined by the spring 85, both the honing Wheel 81 and the grinding wheel I will clear the cutting edge of the knife 4. The adjustment of the clearance between the shoulder 94 and bushing 95 by manipulation of the bushing 95 will determine the position of the honing wheel 61 and grinding wheel I65 relative to the knife 4 when the handle is turned, see Fig. 24, in a counter-clockwise direction. By means of this adjustment as is desired the honing wheel 81 may with facility be caused first to engage the cutting edge of the knife 4, followed by the engagement of the cutting edge of the knife 4 by the grinding wheel I05, and in turn when the handle is released, the grinding wheel I05 will clear the cutting edge of the knife 4 before the honing wheel 81 clears the cutting edge of the knife 4 to prevent the formation of burrs;-

This sharpening unit is primarily distinguished by the adjustment of the bushing 95. By means of the bushing 95 and the locknut 96, the distance between the shoulder 94 and bushing 95 can be quickly adjusted to accommodate wear on the cutting edge of the knife 4 without the use of any tools or the like.

Gauge plate and control means The gauge plate 6 see Figs. 4, 8, 9 and 10, is secured by the bolt H1 to the arm 26 which extends through the opening 25. The gauge plate preferably has an angle plate H8 extending upwardly from the gauge plate 6 andrearwardly to cover the arm 26. This angle plate H8 preferably extends the full width of the gauge plate 6, see Fig. 8, and is roundedat its ends merging into the upper face of the plate 6. The plate 6 preferably has an elongated recess I I9 to receive the projection I20, of the arm 26 to guid the plate 6 and to be adjusted laterally relative to the arm 26. The bolt H1 extends through an elongated slot 2I1 in the gauge plate 6 and is screw threadedly connected to the arm 26. The arm 26 also has a stop screw I2I extending therethrough with its head end cooperating with the upper edge of the opening 25 as a stop to determine the uppermost position of the arm 26 and therewith of the plate 6. i

The arm 26 is provided with a boss I22 secured on the rod I23 which is slidably mounted in the bearings I24 and I25 of the frame I26. This frame or bracket has in the present instance screw receiving openings at its corners to receive the screws I21 extending through the inclined front wall I3 into'the corners of the frame I26. By

' means of these screws I21, the frame I26 with the arm 26 and parts now to be described, can be removed as a unit after the gauge plate 6 has been removed from the arm 26 by withdrawing the bolt H1. v

The boss I22 is provided with an arm I 28 bifurcated at its ends, see Fig. 8, slidably to receive the guide plate I29 fastened to a raised portion I39 extending from the frame I26. The boss I22 is also provided with an extension I31 having a pin 8 I32 to receive the bifurcated end I33 of the lever I34 journalled on the pin- I35. The pin I35 is mounted in the bracket 245 which has an eccentric portion'246 journalled in the extension I36 formed on the bracket I26. The lever I34 has a mutilated worm wheel I31 in mesh with the worm I38 on the shaft I39 journalled in the bearings I40 and MI, the bearing I40 being formed on the frame I26 and the bearing l 4| being mounted on the sleeve I42 formed on the frame I26. The shaft I39 has secured on the end of it the control knob I43, the control knob I43 having a sleeve I44 which is pinned to the shaft I39. The control knob I43 preferably has an inclined raduated dial I45 cooperating with the pointer I46 formed on the end wall I'5, the sleeve I44 being positioned in the opening I41 and the dial I45 preferably having a greater diameter than the opening I41 in the interest of design. The axis of the pin I35 constitutes the pivotal center of the lever I34. This pin I35 extend through the bifurcation of the bracket 245 and through the lever I34, being pinned to the lever I34 by the tapered pin 25I. The bracket 245 has an eccentric sleeve 246 adjustably mounted in the extension I36. After adjustment has been effected, the bracket 245 is anchored against movement relative to the extension I36 by the screw 241 screw threadedly connected to the inner face of the sleeve 246 and drawing the bracket 245 tightly against the extension I36. The eccentric sleeve 246 is provided primarily to facilitate accurately meshing the teeth of the Worm wheel I31 with the teeth of the worm I38. In order to effect this adjustment, the screw 241 is initially turned to loosen the bracket 245 whereupon the head 248 of the bracket 245 is turned to move the center of rotation ogathe lever I34 to or from the axis of the shaft Chute and hanger The hanger 1 shown in section in Fig. 4 mounted on the guide rods 29 and 30 consists essentially of a bracket I 48 having a sleeve I49 slidably mounted on the guide rod 30, two diverging webs I56 terminating in the enlargement I5I in which is screw threadedly secured the pin I52 which is slidably mounted in the extension I53 on the sleeve I54 slidably mounted on the guide rod 29. The arm '28, see Figs. 4 and 7, extends forwardly and upwardly from the sleeve I49 and has screw threadedly secured thereto the post I55 to slidably receive the extension I56 of the chute. This extension preferably has a pin I 51, see Fig. 7,

which fits in the recess I 58 in the arm 28 to aline.

the chute. The extension I56, see Figs. 1 and 3, has a slot I 59 therein in communication with the opening I60 for receiving the pin I55. Through this extension I56 extends the rod I6I having a lever I62 on the outer end thereof and a shoulder I63 engaging the outer face of the extension I56. The inner end of the rod I6I is screw threadedly connected to the portion I64 of the extension I56 so that when the lever I62 is turned it will cause the two portions of the extension I56 to either side of the slot I59 acting as jaws to approach one another and securely engage the pin I55. Here again, without the use of tools but merely by the movement of the lever I62 the chute can be removed since the chute now to be explained is formed on the extension I56.

The extension I56 in the present instance is formed on the rearof the substance carrying plate I65 which in the present instance constitutes themainsupportfor the substance to be edge of the knife 4.

moved to and from the cutting edge of the knife 1-. :The plate I65 preferably extends vertically t6 the plane of the knife 4 and its lower edge ordi-na'r'ily is disposed fairly close to the cutting In order to adjust the distance of the lower edge of the plate I65 to the knife 4, the 'pin I51 through its screw threaded end I 66 may be adjusted, that is, the pin may be caused to extend a greater or less distance from the extension I55.

Ih the present instance, the extension I56 has extending therefrom the arm I61 on which is formed the handle I68 for engagement by the operator to move the chute to and from the cutting edge of the knife. On one end of the plate I65 there is preferably hingedly supported the end weight I69 such as disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,085,519. This end weight I69 preferably has an arm I19 having a sleeve I1I slidably mounted on the rod I12 secured in the enlargements I13 and H4 at the upper and lower ends of the free end of the plate I65. Preferably the end weight I69 has a handle I15 extending therefrom in order to lift the end weight I69 and swing it either to the front of the plate I65 into engagein'ent with the substance to be sliced, or rearward into position shown in Fig. 3 where it is resiliently anchored, see Fig. 17, by engagement of the cup I16 with the spring pressed ball I11 an'chere'd in the extension I56.

The lower face of the end weight I69 preferably has pins or projections I18 formed thereon to engage the substance to be out.

The plate I69 is locked by the spring pressed ball I11 cooperating with the cup I16 due to 1 the tension in the spring I19 mounted on the rod I12 and exercising a downward pressure on the sleeve I1I when the arm I is moved upwardly against the sleeve I13 to clear the plate I89 extending rearwardly from the side edge of the plate I65. The spring I19 also acts as a snubber or cushion to take up the shock when the arm I16 is moved upwardly into position shown in Fig. 15.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 16, the plate I65 constitutes one wing of the chute, and the plate I8I constitutes the other wing which in this embodiment is movable relative to'the plate I65. Although the plate I8I is substantially vertical to the plate I65 at all times, and the plate I65: is substantially vertical to the plane of the knife 4 at all times, the plate I9I, see Figs. 3 and 15, is pivotally mounted on the pin I82 so that it can be swung froma position at right angles to the plane of the blade to an inclined position forming an angle of about with the plane of the knife 4. When the plate I8 I is so tilted, see Fig. 15, it is particularly adapted for slicing small articles of food, such as bologna and the like at an angle to the axis of the bologna in accordance with the practice. in Fig. 15 the dash and dot line I83 is there illustrative of the outline of a piece of bologna, when supported by the plates I85 and I8I and when the'plate I 8I is inclined relative to the plane of the knife 4. This pivot pin I82 in the present instanceis positioned about one-third of the height of the plate I from its upper outer free end. When so positioned, the lower end of the plate I8I will clear the gauge plate 6, but effectively cooperate with the plate I65 to support the piece of bologna I83 at the desired inclination to engage the cutting edge of the knife 4. The upper end of the plate I8I may have a flange I84 extending at right angles thereto and in Ii c 10 alinement with the rear face of the plate I66. This flange I84 will cooperate with the plate I8I properly to support the substance being cut when the plate I8I is swung into the inclined position as shown in Fig. 15.

Preferably to protect the hand of the operator, when the plate I8I is tilted as aforesaid, the lower end of the plate I BI is provided with a finger piece I85 so that when the attendant is operating the machine he may with his right hand engage the plate I 8| to move the chute to and from the cutting edge of the knife 4 and position the thumb of his right hand in the finger piece I85 to leave free the other four fingers of his right hand to engage the substance being cut, such as the bologna I83. In this way, the finger piece I85 serves as a guide to the operator so that he will not bring his fingers down low enough to touch the cutting edge of the knife 4.

Above the finger piece I85 in the present instance, there is formed an enlargement or boss I66, see Fig. 16, in which is slidably mounted the pin I81 extending from one end of the enlargement I86, as shown in Fig. 16 and engaging the spring I88 at its other end, which spring I88 is disposed in the opening I89 between the inner end of the pin I81 and the closure I98 to exerelse a yieldable urge on the pin I81 in a downward direction. To the pin I81 there is secured the projection I9I which extends outward through the cammed slot I92, see Figs. 1 and 4. The pin I81 when extended may enter either the recess I93, Fig. 15, or the recess I94, Fig. 5. When the pin I81 is disposed in the recess I93, it will be locked in the position shown in Fig. 5, and in turn when it is disposed in the opening I94 it will be locked in the position shown in Fig. 15. The cam slot I92 enables the projection I9I by a rotating motion to move the pin I81 into and out of extended position against the tension oi. the spring I88.

While the position of the pin I82 of the plate I8I has certain advantages, obviously this pivot pin may be disposed nearer to the gauge plate 6 when the lower end of the plate I8I will not be spaced from the gauge plate 6 as far as it is in the present instance when swung into the inclined position shown in Fig. 15. Still furthermore, the distance that the pin I82 may be spaced from the gauge plate 6 may be varied without departing from the general spirit of the invention.

Obviously other modifications of the plates 565 and IBI may be made to enable the attendant quickly to convert the chute for cutting articles of food, such as bologna, without departing from the general spirit of the invention. As an in stance, in Figs. 18 and 19 the modification there shown includes a short plate 299, having secured thereto the corrugated plate sections I95 and I96 which form a dihedral angle with one another. The plate 249 has an extension I91 adjacent the gauge plate 6 which is pivotally connected by the pin I96 to the extension I99 of the plate 296, the plate 266 in this embodiment being removably secured to the arm 28 and the chute 26I including the plate 249 and corrugated plate sections I65 and I96 being pivotally connected to this plate 266, with the section I96 parallel to and slidably nwunted across the upper face of the plate 299, and the section I95 secured to the plate fi lii as a facing plate for the plate 246 and substantially perpendicular to the section I96. In order to anchor the chute 28I either in the inclined position shown in 11 Fig. 18, or in the vertical position where it alines with the plate 200. there is provided a boss or enlargement 202, see Fig. 19, extending from the rear face of the plate 249 which is chambered to receive the pin 203 adapted to extend from one end of the boss 202 and in engagement with the spring 204 at; its inner end, which spring 204 is mounted in the chamber 205 in the boss 202 between the inner end of the pin 203 and the closure pin 206. The pin 203 has a projection 201 formed thereon and extending outwardly through the cam slot 208 similar to the cam slot I92 shown in Fig. 1. In the arm 209 extending from the plate 200, see Fig. 19, there are formed two openings 2I0 and 2. When the pin 203 engages the outer recess 2l0, the chute 20I including both the plate sections I95 and I96 will be inclined to the gauge plate 6 so that the two plate sections I95 and I96 of the chute 20I as a unit will act to support a small piece of substance, such as a bologna, see the dash and dot line 2I2 illustrative of a piece of bologna in Fig. 18, in an inclined position similar to the position of the object I83 shown in Fig. 15. When it is desired, however, to slice a larger piece of produce, such as a ham, the chute 20I I may be swung over into position where its two plate sections I95 and I96 are vertical to the gauge plate 6 and in such position the pin 203 will engage the opening 2 II Motor and supporting frame The frame 9, motor I and associated parts now to be described also constitute a removable unit which can be removed from the housing I for repair or the like without affecting any of the other parts except to disconnect the belt 24 from the pulley 45. The motor I0, shown I in Figs. 2, 3 and 6, is mounted upon a frame including the crossplate 2I3 provided with flanges 2I4 secured to the front Wall I2 and rear wall II by suitable screws as shown in Fig. 2. To one side of the motor I0 and secured to the motor housing, there is provided the housing 2 I 5 for reduction gearing. The motor I0, as an instance, has ashaft 2I6 having a worm 2I8 thereof in mesh with the worm wheel 2I9 on the shaft 220 journalled in the housing 2I5 with the pulley 45 mounted on the extending free end 46 of the shaft 220, the pulley 45 being connected as aforesaid by the belt 24 to the pulley 44. When it is desired to remove the motor I0, it is only necessary to release the belt 24 from the pulley 45 and then either to remove the screws connecting the flanges 2I4 of the plate 2I3 to the vertical walls II and I2 of the housing I, or else to remove the nuts connecting the base 22I to the plate 2 I 3.

Modification of knife guard In Figs. 20, 21, 22 and 23, there is shown a modification of the knife guard 54. In this embodiment the over-hanging portion of the guard is divided into two pieces, the fixed portion 222 and the movable portion 223. The fixed portion is integral with the main frame 224 and removable from the knife 225 in the same way that the frame 54 is removable from the knife 4. The combinain section in Fig. 23 and in plan in Fig. 20, which has a spring pressed projection 230 mounted therein to be engaged by the projection 23I on the chute 232. The projection 23I on the chute 232 is mounted at the free edge of the main plate of the chute so that when the chute 232 moves over the knife 225 and the projection 23I strikes the projection 230, it will initially compress the spring 233 of the projection 230 and then swing the movable guard portion 223 into the dash and dot line position shown in Fig. 20. In this way, a longer slice can be cut. Preferably, see Fig. 22, the movable section 223 is provided with a spring 234 coiled around the pin 221 with one end se cured in the lower fixed portion 235 of the frame 224 and its arm 236 resting against the outer face of the movable section 223.

To facilitate lubricating the rods 30 and 29 for the hanger 'I, an opening 231 is formed in the rounded portion I4 of the housing I, see Figs. 3 and 4, and consequently when the hanger 1,is positioned beneath the opening 23'! oil may be poured through the opening onto the hanger I, the oil passing from the web 238 through the openings 239 to the rod 30 and then to the opening 240 to the wick 24I and from the wick 24I to the reces 242 above the opening 243 in the sleeve I52 and then to the rod 29.

Preferably also in the interest of manipulation by one and the same attendant, the switch 250 for the motor I0 is mounted in the right hand end wall I5 to the right of the control knob I43 so that the attendant may with his left hand actuate the control knob I43 and with his right hand first manipulate the switch 250 and then bring his right hand up to the handle I 68 to actuate the substance carrier 8.

It has been found that an extremely compact machine can be produced when the plane of the knife and its associate parts form an angle approximating 45 to the vertical.

It has also been found that, when the plate I forms an angle of approximately 30 to the inclined wall I3, as the substance carrier 8 is moved across'the knife 4, it will cooperate with the cutting edge of the knife to enable the cutting edge to press the meat between the plate I65 and therefore enhance the cutting ffect of the cutting edge of the knife 4. This application is a division of applicants Patent No. 2,538,073 dated January 16, 1951.

It is obvious that various changes and modifications may be made to the details of construction without departing from the general spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim: 7

1. The combination in a slicing machine having a housing with a wall enclosing the rear, sides and inclined front thereof, a substance carrier having upwardly extending wings, a motor disposed in the housing, a knife frame connected to and extending upwardly at substantially a right angle to, and forwardly of, the inclined wall of the housing, a knife rotatably mounted in said frame at the inclination determined by 'said frame, and a gauge plate extending substantially at right angles to said wings and operatively connected to the housing to one side of the knife frame but substantially parallel to the plane of the knife, the wings of said carrier extending upwardly between said housing and said knife, characterized by, upper and lower horizontally ex tending rods having a space between the same located in the rear of said housing to determine the position of the rear wall of the housing, said motor located in said housing forwardly of the spac between said rods and operatively connected to said knife, a hanger slidably mounted on said rods, there being an opening directly below the path of movement of the upper edges of the wings of th carrier and substantially centrally between the upper and lower edges of the carrier in the upper portion of the inclined front of the wall of said housing forwardly of th uppermost of said rod, and an arm of said hanger extending over, and forwardly of, said motor and through said opening above the level of said knife and gauge plate, said substance carrier being mounted on said arm and slidable with said hanger to and from the cutting edge of said knife in front of said frame, with the rear face of the housing free of any operating parts.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which a short sleeve is slidably mounted on the lower rod, the hanger including an elongated nnrsanmons CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,974,304 Freudenberg Sept. 18, 1934 2,355,487 Van Berkel Aug. 8, 1944 2,378,664 Thomas June 19, 1945 2,492,885 Pfister et a1 Dec. 27, 1949 

